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First off,what kind of kite are you flying, and how exactlly is the spine going through, in flight? when you hit the ground?

you may need to add an end cap to the rod on top of reinforcing the nose of the kite, if the hole is beyond the diameter of the new end cap and it still pokes through, you can add a small tee instead of the end cap.

If you spiral some duct tape on itself and push it partway into the spine, it will mushroom slightly and stick out the end of the spine. Then put on the vinyl end cap. The duct tape will act as a shock absorber and help keep the spine end from cutting anything.

The spine has a cap on it and the location in the fabric where the cap goes is sewn to a width only slightly larger than the spine with the cap.

Looking at a normal Delta kite, this is the top of the Delta (peak).

The fabric that covers the peak is worn through because, in my learning, I dragged the kite all over a rocky parking lot is very low wind. I was learning how to try to turn the kite while on the ground and just dragged it all over the place. Since I was new, I spent more time on the ground than the air. Now that I have better control...I do not spend as much time dragging it...but the damage is done and the hole is now the weakest link so once the wind gets a little stronger...out pops the spine through the peak of the kite.

I am using tape that I bought at Into the Wind (I am lucky enough to live 30 minutes from Boulder!) and sail cloth.

I have tried to stick a piece of the sail over the top of the spine cap and then wedge that into the pouch but it still comes poking out the top.

I usually cut a round piece of the cloth and then tape over the top of the hole from front to back.

What I really need is a VERY strong piece of cloth that I can put over the hole and then (somehow) secure to the top.

Someone recommended that I get the Prism DVD. Yup...got one of those. Very helpful to watch.

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"May you live until you die, no more, no less" - Eddie Izzard

"I'm not this way because I'm an Engineer. I am an Engineer because I'm this way."

A patch of stout fabric inside, then sew and/or superglue the nose webbing on the outside. If the edges of the hole still meet (not like a big hunk missing) then a bunch of superglue will hold quite nicely in many cases.

There is no reason for you to drag a dual line kite anywhere at any time. Dragging it has nothing to do with using it as a kite. If you are dragging it and trying to get it to fly then you need some help. If this is the case send me a PM and I'll spend some time looking on the internet for some basic videos that show you how to launch your kite. Dragging it will likely turn it into a vented kite.

Your patching attempts really need to be inside the the nose fabric, I don't know the kite or how much room there may be inside, the best is a Kevlar patch using the adhesive backed kevlar available at Hang'em High or Kite Builder but if the hole is too big that will fail too. Alternately like Allen mentioned Super Glue works wonders, if the hole is too big though you may need to back it up with some Cordura then super glue it all together.

If you know a good seamstress (seamster?) they could replace the whole nose, find an old Cordura pack or suitcase for the fabric, you'll have to invest in a soldering iron or wood burner to hot cut it to shape. But if you have to pay to have it done it's probably nearly as cheap to buy a new kite. Don't know if any of the members close to you would volunteer to help, there are some excellent builders in your area.

Parking lots, asphalt or packed earth are not the best place to fly, the kite can't get a grip on the surface in order to stand up and they are so abrasive, find a park, sports field or school yard to play in.

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"Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see" John W Lennon

"People do not quit playing because they grow old, they grow old because they quit playing" George Bernard Shaw

And I've heard, never tried it, you can reinforce the nose from the inside with a dollar bill. Dollar bills have a very, very tight weave and it's hard to poke through one. Figure out a way to glue it on the inside. I kinda get what you're saying about wearing a hole in the nose in the first place. So, yeah they're right: find soft dirt, grass or maybe even a beach. Grass is the best option. Stay off rough, hard surfaces, that'll be death to a kite. You'll crash some day and break a spar and/or rip the sail.

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So the wife asks, "Why learn a half axle if you can already do a full axle?"

You are correct...I do have Into The Air (kite Mfg) within 30 minutes of my house. I spent a hr there for 3 weekends in a row talking with them and getting recommendations and spare parts. They laughed at me because I bought a complete pile of spare parts for the two kites I had at the time (Wisp and Prism - Quantum). I said..."I tend to bulldoze my way through things and I am extremely persistent. I will learn how to master this!"

I do know a seamstress but at $60 for the kite I think I might keep repairing my entry levels until I get the knack of it. That is why the Prism-Hypnotist is sitting patiently in it's bag while I fly the Quantum. I slammed the Quantum into a tree TWICE yesterday at full speed...oops!

There is a local club but they meet once a month (2nd Sunday) and it was too cold for them Feb 14th. Me...I was out standing in my field. hehe

I like the idea of Cordura. I really need a close weave fabric. I am willing to turn it into Frankinstein to get the practice. And then I will get a better one once I am in control.

Maybe a trip to Into The Wind to get some higher quality fabric is a good idea. Possibly this weekend.

Until then...lots of repairs.

Logged

"May you live until you die, no more, no less" - Eddie Izzard

"I'm not this way because I'm an Engineer. I am an Engineer because I'm this way."

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